AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE TENTH CENTURY: SUMMARY OF BAPTISM IN THE TENTH CENTURY

[The corruption of this century, caused by the papal
superstitions, is sadly lamented by Jacob Mehrning and P. J.
Twisck.

Nevertheless, it is shown thereupon, that in the midst of
papal darkness there were still some who, in the matter of holy
baptism, did not differ from the institution of Christ and His
apostles.

Page 248

Giselbert teaches, that baptism must be connected with
regeneration and a good will.

Then follows Ansbert, who declares that Christ, through
preaching and baptism, is still daily bringing unto Himself
heirs; that we must be baptized upon the confession of the holy
Trinity; and that after baptism we may sin no more.

Smaragdus follows next and says that it is impossible for
the body to receive the mystery of baptism aright, if the soul
has not previously accepted the truth of the faith; that the
excellent ordinance o f the baptism of Christ commands
the apostles first to teach all nations, and then to
incorporate them by the baptism of faith.

Then appears Theophilact, who produces very excellent
testimonies concerning baptism; as, among others, that the
baptized have put on Christ, Gal. 3:27; that the candidates are
like the prodigal son when he was converted; that he is not
baptized aright, who has not believed;, that in baptism all
believers are enlightened by the Holy Ghost; that no one may be
recognized as a believer, who is unregenerated or lives after
the flesh; that the truly baptized may not drive away the Holy
Spirit by wicked works, but must preserve the image of God
unspotted; that the good profession of which we read, I Tim.
6:12, must take place at the instruction of those that are to
be baptized; that those baptized by John, were delivered by
repentance from the bonds of the soul; that the novices
repented before baptism; that the Supper was administered to
the baptized, etc.

Thereupon it is stated, from D. Vicecomes, that the papists,
when infant baptism was introduced among them, abolished the
practice of administering the Supper to the baptized. It is
furthermore demonstrated, that the Romanists ought to have
abolished infant baptism just as well as the infant Supper.

The baptism of Olympius, his wife Exuperia, and his son
Theodulus, is adduced, from Simon Metaphrastes; also, of the
baptism of Theridates, and Nemesius.

Fulbertus Carnotenses is the last witness respecting holy
baptism.]

We now pass over to the tenth century after the birth of
Christ, to find in it, as we have done in the preceding times,
the marks of the Christian believers, namely, the true baptism
with its observance according to the institution of Christ and
the practice of His apostles; which, as we shall show in the
proper place, obtained and was practiced also at this time,
though under great difficulties.

Yet, what shall we say of this century? Many well-disposed
persons, who loved the truth, abhorred and detested it, because
the innumerable human superstitions of the Roman church had
risen nigh unto heaven, and the pure commandments of Jesus
Christ, without the observance of which men cannot be saved,
had been cast almost down into the pit. This was the century
concerning which much woful lamentation was made, because papal
tyranny, in the matter of worship, had increased so
exceedingly. Of these things (after the title), the following
is contained in Jacob Mehrning's History of Baptism.

OF THE DEPLORABLE STATE OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD IN THE TENTH CENTURY

"In the tenth century the dominion of the Roman pope had
exceedingly obscured, and taken possession of, nearly all the
churches in Europe, so that everything had to be done according
to his pleasure, both in spiritual and secular governments;
hence, great darkness prevailed at this time, in which but very
few learned, virtuous, and celebrated men lived. For fear of
the great tyranny, one dared scarcely speak the least word of
the adulteration of the doctrine, or the abuses in the false
worship, and the increase of the abominable blasphemies; for,
as soon as those who knew better, and feared God, uttered the
least word of opposition, the pope instantly thundered, with
hail and lightning as it were, excommunications from the Roman
chair, so that every one was terrified, since also the secular
lords were bewitched and controlled by him. Was it to be
wondered at, then, that the corruptions with reference to
baptism, increased the longer the more?" Bapt. Hist., p.
556, from Magd. Cent. 10, cap. 1.

Touching the abuses in and about baptism, which were then
introduced the decree of the pope and the councils, they are
noticed by different .writers, as may be seen in Cent.
Magd., Cent., 10, cap. 6, 10, 11.

In short, whereas formerly the catechumens had not been
baptized until, after proper instruction, they had given an
account of their faith, either on Easter or Whitsuntide, it was
now ordained, that, when death or peril of life was
apprehended, they should be baptized immediately. Metaphr.,
lib. 2, cap. 5.

Whereas baptism had formerly been administered with
unblessed or unconsecrated water, it was now blessed and
consecrated, yea, the chrism was used, the sign of the cross on
the forehead, the oil of chrism. Ba¢t. Hist., page 576,
num. 13.

But the most ridiculous of all was, that, whereas formerly
only human beings bad been baptized, Pope John XIV now
commanded that the great bell in the Lateran church should be
baptized and named after him. Bapt. Hist., page 577, ex
Balaeo Centur. 2. P. J. Twisck, Chron., 10th book, for the year
965, pare 341, col. 1.

These exceeding great errors of the Roman church, and the
dreadful darkness in which all nations, with the exception of a
few pious people, sat during those dreary times, is described
in P. J. Twisck's Chronijk, in the conclusion of the
thousandth year, with the following words (after the title)

Page 249

FURTHER OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE DEPLORABLE STATE OF THE WORSHIP OF GOD IN THIS CENTURY

"As far as regards the preceding century, I cannot speak of
any improvement, inasmuch as the secular affairs manifested
themselves with much commotion, strife, misery, and distress.
Papal dominion prevailed more and more. The idolatrous
ceremonies were very prolific; the baptismal water was
consecrated; the oil was prepared by the bishop alone, two days
before Easter, as well as imparted to others; the Supper, or
sacrament, was administered nearly every Sunday, at an altar or
table prepared for this purpose. Excommunication or the ban of
the church was used very frivolously, not only against common
people, but also against emperors, kings, and princes. The
punishment imposed upon penitents consisted much in abstaining
for seven years from certain food, meat and wine, or in the
giving of alms, building of churches, founding of cloisters,
and other like inventions and burdens, according to the ability
and mind of each respective individual., "It was taught, that the saints must be worshiped; not that
they should save the supplicants, but that they should
intercede, and ask God for help for them., "Holy people were presented, who had died before the time of
Christ, in the Old Testament, and who, as it was said, had been
in hell, yet without pain-a strange notion and wicked doctrine
respecting the holy fathers., "It was said that there was a purgatory, where men had to
atone after this life, and wash away sin by suffering., "The canonizing of ecclesiastical persons was very common.
The holidays instituted in honor of the saints, were very many,
and took away nearly one half of the year. The images and
graves of the saints were greatly esteemed. Kings, princes,
lords, ecclesiastics, and laymen, made pilgrimages to Rome, St.
Jago, Jerusalem, and other places, where the bodies or bones of
the saints were buried or preserved, as though dead bones
without spirit, could impart life or benefit., "The sick would confess to the ear of the priest, and
thereupon receive the sacrament of the unction; after which
they departed in full assurance, though without any good
resulting from it., "The dead were buried with the ringing of bells, with tapers
and torches, with much singing, with masses, vigils, and
prayers for their souls, etc." P. J. Twisck, Chron., 10th
book, page 361.

Thus, the tenth century was utterly corrupted through the
superstitions of popery; but, as in the dark midnight the stars
still sometimes give their light, so it was also here; for,
that the marks of the true church might not be swallowed up
entirely in the darkness, some, though but few, manifested
themselves, who, in one and the other point, but principally in
the matter of baptism, showed, that hey, as regards the matter
itself, did not differ from the institution of Christ and the
practice of His holy apostles; which can be gathered from the
writings they have left.

About A. D. 910.-Or very close to the beginning of
this century, the ancient writers place Giselbert, a man of
learning, but accused of strange opinions by his adversaries;
whom the emergency of the time compelled to stoop .and hide,
under the ravages of popery. He, though others have regarded
him as a member of the Roman church, opposed, apparently as
much as lay in his power, the pope and the Roman church, .and
this not a little in the matter of baptism. For, while the pope
and the Roman church generally taught that it was necessary,
yea, upon pain of damnation, to baptize the infants,
notwithstanding they have not, and cannot have, either true
regeneration or a good will [intention], which are nevertheless
required of candidates (Matt. 3:7, 8), he taught that it
is indeed necessary to salvation, to be baptized, but that said
baptism must be connected with regeneration, and a good
intention; which things, besides the grace of Christ, he
considered the chief means to salvation, so much so, that any
one who had these virtues, though he were not baptized (that
is, if there had been no opportunity), could nevertheless be
saved because of the grace and power of God. Of this, there is,
among others, the following annotation in Jacob Mehrning's
History of Baptism, page 567.

Of the necessity of baptism.- Giselbert
(Alter. 1) , says, "It is true, God can save; yet, man
cannot be saved without baptism; (that is, that baptism which
is accompanied with regeneration, as the following words
declare), for thus says the author of this sacrament himself:
'Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot see
the kingdom of God.' It is, however, not in the power of man,
to reject this way, and to choose to salvation another.
However, it is in God's power, if man cannot obtain this means
(baptism), to accept graciously His good will." Cent. Magd.
X., cap. 4.

Hence, when he here speaks of the good will of man, it is
quite evident, that he treats neither of infants nor of infant
baptism, seeing infants have no knowledge of either a good or a
bad will, nor of baptism, nor of regeneration, to which said
passage of Giselbert also has reference; much less have they
the ability to worthily begin and execute all this, for the
proper reception of baptism. He intends simply to say, that
baptism is indeed necessary, yet not without regeneration;
which regeneration he regards as the most important of all,
according to John 3:5, 7, from which he concludes that it is
not in the power of man to reject this way, namely, to separate
regeneration from baptism, or baptism from regeneration, which
is a stricture upon those who were wont to reject the baptism
of the regenerated or penitent, and to go another way, as did
the Pharisees in the days

Page 250

of John the Baptist; who, rejecting the counsel of God
against themselves (namely, the:baptism of John), were not
baptized of him. Luke 7:30.

But, in order that no one need sorrow, who, having attained
to regeneration, could not receive baptism, on account of
serious obstacles or the want of a fitting opportunity, and,
hence, might imagine that there was no grace or mercy of God
for him, he adds this consolation, namely: ."That it is in
God's power, if man cannot obtain the means (baptism), to
accept graciously His good will."

Whatever others, especially papistic writers, may have
recorded of Giselbert's belief, detrimental to, or, at least,
against the point in view, we let them be responsible for it;
this is certain, that we have not as yet been able to find
anything to the contrary, in any authentic writer.:

About A. D. 925.-Shortly after, or very near the time
of Giselbert, Ansbert is mentioned, who, writing on several
matters of faith, or articles of religion, also makes mention
of baptism, approaching herein very closely the language, or,
at, least, the sense of the holy apostles, which appears from
the following testimonies

Bapt. Hist., rage 568. Ansbert (on Rev. 19), says,
according to the words of Christ, John 1:13, "Which were born not of blood . . . but of God." "Of
God, that is, through the preached Word and the washing of
regeneration, by which mysteries (namely, preaching and the
washing of regeneration, that is, baptism) Christ still daily
begets and brings forth unto Himself heirs.

He here connects the Word of God, or preaching, with the
washing of regeneration, or baptism, and says that by them
Christ begets and brings forth unto Himself heirs.. How could
anybody more plainly declare: 1. what true baptism is; 2, what
belongs to it; and 3. what fruit proceeds from it. For,
firstly, what true baptism is, he expresses by these words:
Washing of regeneration, according, to Tit. 3:5,
indicating thereby, that true baptism is peculiar only to the
regenerate; that is, to the penitent. Secondly, what belongs to
baptism he expresses by these words: The preached word;
for, as the apostle declares,"Faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). The preached word is
therefore the means by which to attain to the faith, and faith
is the foundation upon which truly to receive baptism. As
necessary, then, as faith is, in order to be truly baptized,
upon it, so necessary also is the preached word, in order to
truly believe; consequently, Ansbert has justly joined the
preached word to baptism, as a proof that it belongs to it,
according to the words of Christ (Mark 16:15, 16), "Preach the
Gospel . . . he that believeth and is baptized." Thirdly, what
fruit proceeds from such baptism, when it is accompanied with
regeneration and the preached Word of God, he expresses with
these words: "By which mysteries Christ still daily be gets
and brings forth unto Himself heirs," which well agrees
with the words of Paul, Gal. 3:26, 27"Ye are all the children
of God by faith in Christ Jesus.. For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." These, then; who
by this means become children of God, also become His heirs and
joint heirs with Christ. Rom. 8:17. Hence, said words of
Ansbert are conformable to the Holy Scriptures, and speak of
the baptism of the regenerate, but in no wise of infant
baptism.

Page 569. Ansbert (on Rev. 21) teaches, "The trinity
of the Godhead we dare not, and shall not pass by unnoticed,
especially when we are baptized upon the confession' of the
holy Trinity, and are saved in the faith of the unity of the
same."

Here he again connects baptism with confession and faith,
yea, he says that we are baptized upon confession, and saved in
faith. Certainly, there is not a letter in the above passage,
which savors of infant baptism, but every word denies, yea,
opposes it, inasmuch as here such a baptism only is spoken of,
as is received with faith and the confession of the same; but
that this can be done by infants, militates not only against
the holy Scriptures, but also against nature.

Page 574.-Ansbert (on Rev. 1) says, "He that has been'
washed in baptism from dead works, and, after such washing,
again commits sins unto death, it avails him nothing that he
was washed; hence, the Lord, through Isaiah (chap. 1, verse
16), admonishes thus: 'Wash ye, make you clean.' He washes and
cleanses himself, who commits no new sins after baptism. But he
that conducts himself thus that after such washing, he again
pollutes the white robe with sin, let him still not despair of
remission, if he desires to be washed again; for there is yet
another baptism, with which publicans and harlots are always
baptized-and what other is it but the well-spring of tears? in
which Mary Magdalene, polluted with many a stain of vice, and
Peter, when he had thrice denied the Lord, washed
themselves."

This whole passage is a warning to those who, having
committed sins unto death, were baptized for the remission of
the same, that they should not rely upon this, otherwise they
might be deceived; hence, against such, there are spoken these
words, "He that, after such washing again commits sins unto death,
it avails him nothing that he was washed." Then follows an
admonition, not to fall into new sins after baptism; yet that
any who had fallen into them, should still not despair. But to
such there is pointed out another baptism, naively, the baptism
of tears, that is, weeping and sorrowing for committed sins.
Then it is told what persons were once baptized with this
baptism of tears, namely, publicans and harlots, Mary
Magdalene, and Peter, for denying Christ.

Judge now, whether the above-stated things can be done by
infants, or whether they are peculiar only to the adult and
intelligent, and we are fully confident, that, if you are
impartial, you will choose the latter, and reject the
former.

Page 251228011

About A. D. 938.-Very near the time of Ansbert, a
place is accorded, in this century, to Smaragdus, who, having,
it seems, at some time previous to his conversion, or, at
least, to his enlightenment, maintained infant baptism, now
gave such testimony concerning baptism as completely excludes
infant baptism, inasmuch as he, writing, of the nature, virtue,
practice, and benefit of baptism, very closely follows the
language of Christ and His holy apostles.*

This appears from his exposition of the institution of
Christ respecting baptism., "First," he writes"all nations were taught, and then they
were baptized with water; for it is impossible for the body to
receive the mystery of baptism aright, if the soul has not
previously accepted the truth of the faith; for they were
baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost." Again, "This excellent ordinance of baptism commands the
apostles; first to teach all nations, then to incorporate them
by the baptism of faith, and then, after faith and baptism, to
teach them what they were to observe." Smaragdus, on Matt.
28.

N. B."Thus," says the writer who has recorded this,"the
light of truth must shine forth in the midst of darkness; for,
where did Christ institute another ordinance of baptism, for
infants?" B. H., page 570, num, 7.

Though this last passage is very acceptable and worthy of
being considered, and confirms in no small measure the point we
have in view we will nevertheless let the writer keep it to
himself, it being only a comment on the aforementioned
matter.

We will, therefore, return to the matter itself, namely, to
the words of Smaragdus, and we shall soon find that his aim
was, to connect faith with baptism, yea, to admit no other
baptism than that which is accompanied with the truth of the
faith. For, what else does he intend to say with these
words, "For it is impossible for the body to receive the mystery
of baptism aright, if the soul has not previously accepted the
truth of the faith?" May we not firmly conclude from this, that
this man knew nothing of infant baptism, or, at least, that he,
when he wrote this, utterly denied and rejected it? Certainly,
no one could oppose, or reject, infant baptism more flatly and
plainly; for if it is impossible, as he says, to receive
baptism aright without having previously accepted the truth of
the faith, etc., he establishes that it is impossible to
baptize infants aright, seeing they, because of their
disqualification in regard to power as well as knowledge,
cannot previously accept the truth of

* What Smaragdua has written on I Pet. 2,
saying, "Such holy, pure, and innocent childhood, the mother,
the church of Christ, gains through the gr ace of bapism" gave
cause to consider whether by the word"childhood" he meant
infants of the cradle, and by the words"grace of baptism,"
infant baptism; but it is also interpreted as having reference
to the believing children of God, according to Gal. 3:26, and
to the baptism of believers, according to Mark 16: 16. As to
the exposition, however, which he is stated to have made on
John 13, it is held that it took place before his enlightenment.

the faith. Unless some one would say that he held, that there is
a certain faith or germ of faith, as others call it, in infants
from their birth (as was afterwards advanced by the Lutherans),
upon which, some were wont to assert, they ought to'be
baptized. But this is easily refuted; for; besides this, that
in the time of Smaragdus, as far as can be seen, they knew
nothing of this hidden faith, or germ of faith, in infants,
much less baptized them upon it, he plainly indicates that he
is speaking of another faith, which he calls the truth of
the faith, that is, a true and genuine faith; which true
and genuine faith no one ever, to our knowledge, not even to
the present day, claimed for infants, in order to establish
infant baptism upon it.

Moreover,' Smaragdus required of the candidates for baptism,
not only the truth of the faith, but also regeneration, as
appears from his comments on John 3, where he says, "He that is
regenerated through water and the Spirit, is invisibly changed
into a new man, and from a carnal lean is made a spiritual man;
and he is therefore rightly called, not only spiritual, but
also spirit." B. H., p. 573, nuln. 11.

In this passage again there are several things mentioned,
which indicate nothing else than that he is speaking of the
baptism of adults. For, besides that the.words, John 3, were
not spoken to an infant but to Nicodemus, a master in Israel,
the circumstances adduced by Smaragdus in regard to it also
indicate, that it is to be understood of none but adult
persons. For, what else does he mean to say by the word
regenerated, than that- the baptized person who has
previously truly prepared himself for baptism, gives up. his
old, earthly birth, and becomes a new creature? Thus also, when
he says that the baptized person is changed into a new man;
for, how shall any one be changed into a new man, who was not
an old man before? And also, When he adds, that such an one,
from a carnal man is made spiritual; for, how is it possible,
from a carnal man to become spiritual, if one has not
previously been carnal or lived after the flesh? Therefore, to
become spiritual, does not simply 'mean, to receive the Spirit
of God, but to live after the Spirit, in the fear of God, and
in all the Christian virtues. Gal. 5:21-24.

This being.,so, we will leave the testimony of Smaragdus and
proceed to others of hi's contemporaries, who held the same
belief and left it to us in their writings.

A. D. 952.-It is stated that in the time of the. Emperor
Otho the Great there lived and wrote, in Greece, a very
virtuous and learned man called Theophilact, who, writing on
various matters of faith, also makes mention of baptism, not
differing herein, as far as we have been able to ascertain,
from the Anabaptists of the present day, but agreeing with them
very well on the subject of baptism upon faith.

Bdpt. Hist., page 571, Theophilact on Luke 15,

Page 252

says, "As many of us as have been baptized have put on
Christ."

These are the words of Paul, Gal. 3:27, which the apostle
does not speak to infants, but to the believing saints of the
Galatian church, namely,"that they had indeed, become children
of God by faith, but had put on Christ by baptism."

Continuing he says, "Then he puts on our hand (namely, to us
who through baptism have put on Christ) the ring, the seal of
Christianity, which works in us." Again-"Everyone that is
baptized, is also made a child of God, yea, readopted as such;
he is also, when he is washed from sin, made a partaker of the
fatted calf, and becomes the joy of the Father and His
servants, the holy angels and men, even as one that. has arisen
from the dead, and who was lost, and i's found."

He here compares the candidates to the prodigal son who,
repenting of his evil life, arose to go to his father, to seek
grace, and was received by him with outstretched arms. Thus, he
would say, it is also in baptism: The sinner seeks grace,
confesses his sins, manifests sorrow for them, yea, prays' and
supplicates for forgiveness. God, the Lord, who is the true
Father of all men by reason of creation, meets him, embraces
him with the' arms of His grace, yea, pardons all his past
sins, and, in token thereof, commands one of His servants to
baptize him. This he compares to the putting on of the ring,
saying, "Then he puts on our hand the ring, the seal of
Christianity." What he further says concerning the killing of
the fatted calf; and the joy of the Father and His servants,
has regard to the joy that is in heaven over the repentance of
such a pentitent (and thereupon baptized) sinner, which is
greater than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance. Luke 15:7.

Hence, when Theophilact compares the candidate for baptism
to the prodigal son, in the manner shown above, it is evident
enough, yea, as clear as midday, that he is treating of no
other baptism than the baptism of adults, and this of such
adults as manifest sorrow for their past sins.

Page 572. Theophilact on John 8, says, "Since Christ came to
take away the sins of the world, we can obtain remission of
sins in no other way than, by means of baptism (however
properly speaking the blood of Christ is the effective cause of
the remission and taking away of sins), yet it is impossible
that he ,that has not believed; be baptized (aright); hence,
the unbeliever must afterwards die in his sins, for he has not
put off the old man, because he has not been baptized."

Though several things are said here, which confirm our
preceding explanation of the words of Theophilact, we shall
nevertheless notice only these words, "It is impossible that he
that has not believed, be baptized (aright);" for here
certainly every baptism which is not received with faith is
denied; hence, infant baptism cannot be admitted here, because
it is without all faith, yea, it is utterly denied here. And
thus, the words of The ophilact concerning baptism, are not
only clear, but also Christian-like and apostolical.

Page 572. Theophilact on II Cor. 3, says, "Even as silver,
exposed to the sun, does itself emit rays, because the sun
shines upon it; so also we, when we are purified in baptism,.
by the Holy Ghost, and illumined by His rays, emit a spiritual
radiance, perceived only in the soul, and are changed into the
same image, by the Spirit of the Lord, to our glory." And, a
little further on, "All believers are illumined in baptism by
the Holy Ghost, that their souls shine (or, emit radiance)
thereby." Again, "As we are all dead by one sinner, even so we
are all made alive, and are risen through Christ, in baptism;
and we justly recognize no one as believing, who lives after
the flesh, that is, who leads the old, carnal life; but all who
are regenerated by the Spirit, begin a new, spiritual
life."

The words which Theophilact speaks from or on II Cor. 3,
concerning-the candidates, Paul speaks of believers; and the
simile borrowed by the aforementioned writer from the silver,
which, when the sun shines upon it, reflects his rays, which he
applies to the candidates, who become illumined by the Holy
Ghost, and reflect a spiritual radiance of virtues, confirms,
in a good degree, that he is speaking of such candidates as can
be illumined by the Holy Ghost, and live virtuously, to the
honor of God, the edification of their neighbor, and to the
salvation of their own souls. What he says after that, fully
confirms our opinion, namely, that he is speaking of believing
candidates; for, this he clearly expresses with these
words, "All believers are illumined in baptism by the Holy
Ghost." What he adds finally, tends in the same direction, for
he says that,"As we are all dead by one sinner (Adam), even so
we are all made alive and are risen, through Christ, in
baptism." Who does not see that this making alive and rising
(in baptism) has respect to the renewing of the old life;
according to the teaching of Paul (Rom. 6:4), "Therefore we are
buried with him by baptism into death

that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
That this is his meaning, be indicates by the following words,
when he calls those whom he has previously termed candidates,
believers and regenerated persons, saying, "We justly recognize no one as believing, who lives after
the flesh; but all who are regenerated (thus he calls the
candidates or the baptized) by the Spirit, begin a new,
spiritual life."

Page 573. Theophilact on II Tim. 1, says, "The Holy Ghost
hovers over us at baptism; now, if we keep this Spirit, and do
not drive Him away by wicked works, He keeps us and what we
have received from God; therefore, use all diligence, that you
keep the Holy Ghost, and He, who has been given you, will also
keep you."

It seems that in the days of Theophilact there was a failing
among some of the candidates, or. at least, among the
unbaptized Christians, that, in-

Page 253

stead of stirring up the grace of the Spirit of God, which
had been given them (after baptism), and thereby increasing and
proceeding in virtues, they decreased and retrograded, yea,
fell into wicked works. This, Theophilact opposed, warning them
to be careful not to drive the good Spirit of God away from
them by wicked works, seeing He will not dwell in a malicious
soul, nor in a body that is subject unto sin. Wisdom of Sol.
1:4.

Secondly, he admonishes them affectionately and consolingly,
to keep the gift of the Holy Ghost (after baptism), pointing
out also, the means by which this could be done, namely, by
avoiding wicked works, and using diligence, that is, such
diligence by which the worship of God and the common
edification could be promoted. The consolation which he, for
such, adds to his admonition, is expressed in these
words, "Therefore, use all diligence, that you keep the Holy
Ghost, and He . . . will also keep you." But what fruit his
warning, and consoling admonition had on those persons, is not
stated there; hence we will take our leave, and proceed to
other writings which he has left.

Same page as above. Theophilaet on John 3, says, "It
is not enough for the preservation of purity, to be baptized;
but one must also use. great diligence, that the image of the
sonship of God, which is represented in baptism, is kept
unspotted. There are many who have received, in baptism, the
grace of adoption as children of God, but who, through
negligence, have not remained children of God unto the end.

Here he greatly laments the apostasy of the children of God,
namely, of those who, having been baptized, and having received
the grace of adoption as children of God, but through
negligence had apostatized so that they, as he calls it, had
not remained children of God. Certainly, this was a sad matter;
but notwithstanding we rejoice that in those times people were
baptized upon faith (as has been shown above), that they might
receive the grace of adoption as children of God; and that
there were yet persons (as appears from Theophilact) who taught
this doctrine and reproved the. opposing abuses; to which, has
been our sole aim.

Page 575.

Theophilact (on I Tim. 6, where
the apostle says, "Thou hast professed a good profession before
many witnesses"), writes: -"This profession takes place at the
instruction of those who are to be baptized; and we profess by
it that we will forsake Satan, and pitch our tent with Christ,
that we may fully adhere to Him."

How could any one speak more clearly and truly of baptism
according to _ the institution of Christ and the practice of
the apostles? He says here, that the good profession of which
Paul writes (I Tim. 6:12), took place at the instruction of
those who were to be baptized; by which he indicates that in
his time the candidates were not only instructed at and before
baptism, namely, in the Christian faith, but that they were
also required to make a profes sion of what they believed,
which consisted (as can be gleaned not only from Theophilact,
but also from other writers of that time) of two parts

firstly, in the confession of faith in God and in His Son
Jesus Christ; and secondly, in the renunciation of Satan, the
world, the flesh, and all its lusts.

Same page as above. Theophilact on Mark 1, says, "All
who came to be baptized by John, were delivered through
repentance from the bond of their souls, if they believed on
Christ."

He says of those who came to John's baptism, that they were
delivered through repentance from the bond of their souls (that
is, from sin), if they believed on Christ; by which he
indicates that two things were required of those candidates, in
order that they might be delivered from sin; 1. repentance;
2. faith in Christ. Which things, since he adduces them for
the instruction of his contemporaries, were also required of
the candidates of his time, namely, that they had to repent and
believe on Christ. For, to what purpose should he otherwise, by
way of instruction, have adduced them?

Page 581

D. J. Vicecomes (lib. 3,
cap. 3, on Heb. 6), quotes from Theophilact, "When you were
to be baptized, you repented of dead works, that is, rejected
the works of Satan."

In Lib. 5, cap. 37. Vicecomes expresses the opinion,
that in the time of Theophilact the holy Supper was still
administered to the baptized, after baptism.

Whether we cast our eyes upon the words of Theophilact, or
upon those of Vicecomes, we see that both tend in the same
direction. As regards the words of Theophilact, he informs us
concerning the candidates of his time, that they, before
baptism, or, at least, when they were about to be baptized,
repented of dead works, which, as everyone knows, can only be
done by adults, and not at all by infants; for, one that is to
desist from dead works, and repent, must first have committed
dead works; this is incontrovertible.

As to the words of Vicecomes, they confirm the foregoing;
for, if the holy Supper was then administered to the baptized
after baptism; which Supper, as is taught in I Cor. 11:27, had
to be received with proper examination, and qualification, as,
according to history, was then still done, it follows that the
baptism of infants could not have been maintained among those
who practiced this, seeing infants are unfit for such
examination and qualification, and, consequently; also unfit to
become partakers of the holy Supper, which Vicecomes also
notices; for, referring, in the same place, to some among the
Romanists; he says, "But when the baptism of infants was
introduced, they [the infants] did not understand the virtue of
the heavenly food, the church abolished this custom (namely, of
administering the Supper to the baptized), that this holy
sacrament might not be dishonored thereby."

Page 254

From this it is quite evident, that at that time, not only
some who had separated from the Roman church, but even some who
belonged to the Roman church (perhaps, whole churches of .the
Romanists), still had the custom of administering the holy
Supper to all that had been baptized, and this with all proper
devotion; so that in those churches, it seems, nothing was
known, even as late as that time, of infant baptism, or, at
least, that it was not observed there, until the pope, or some
council ordained otherwise; for this is clearly expressed in
the 'words:."But when the baptism of infants was introduced,
the church abolished this custom."

Touching what is adduced (B. H., p. 308, from D.
hicecomes, lib. 5, cap, 37), concerning the infant Supper,
as though it might have obtained in the time of Theophilact, it
is refuted by the writer himself, in said passage; for he
explains it as having reference to the Supper of believing,
baptized Christians, saying, that it was administered to the
baptized till infant baptism came into vogue, and

that it was then (because infants were unfit for it)
abolished.

In regard to this, the writer who records it, has the
following words to the shame of those who did so, "Cannot these
foolish saints," says he"for the same reason, also abolish
infant baptism, which is not a less, but; on account of the
effectual regeneration, a greater sacrament, than the Supper?"
B. H., page 308. He means to say: If the Supper, which
it was customary to administer to believers after baptism, was
abolished, when infant baptism came into vogue, because infants
have not the ability to worthily prepare themselves for the
Supper; how great a folly is it, then, that infant baptism was
not also abolished for the same reason; seeing that not less,
but more, is required for baptism than for the Supper, namely,
an effectual regeneration? For which reason also baptism
is a greater sacrament than the Supper. Certainly, this was a
forcible argument in refutation of those who, having introduced
infant baptism, had therefore abolished the Supper which used
to be administered after baptism; and who considered infants
better qualified for baptism than for the Supper.

About A. D. 980. Bapt. Hist., pages 578, 579.
Vicecomes quotes from Simon Metaphrastes, lib. 1, cap.
5. the following occurrence, "That Theridates, with his wife and
the chief persons of the land were baptized in the river
Euphrates."

Page 580."Greg. Martyr enjoined upon Theridates and
those who desired )to be baptized, a fast of thirty days, then
instructed them one after another, and thereupon baptized them
in the Euphrates.",From Vicecom., lib. 3, cap. 6.

D. Vicecomes (lib. 1, cap. 14), relates how Namesius,
came to the water, towards evening, descended into it, and was
baptized, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost. From Metaphr., in vita Steph. In lib. 3,
cap. 3, he writes, how Odympius, with his wife, Exuperia, and
his only son, Theodulus, in the night came to Sympronius, fell
down at his feet, and said, "We have recently learned to know
the power of Christ, that He is truly God. We therefore pray
thee, to see that we receive baptism, in the name of Christ,
whom thou preachest."' Sympronius answered them, "If you repent
with your whole heart, God will be so gracious as to receive
you as penitents." Then said Olympius, "This we will immediately
do." From Metaphr., in vita Steph. B. H., page 579,
num. 10.

Page 580, num. 14. "This same Olympius, when he
desired to become a Christian, was bidden to break the idols
with his own hands, to melt the gold and silver of which they
were made, with fire, and to gather the poor, and distribute it
among them. This, the writer says, Olympius faithfully did." D.
hicecom., lib. 3, cap. 13.

NOTE.-Page 851, it is related of Placidus, his wife Trajana,
and his two sons, how they went to the teacher., etc.; and how
the latter instructed and eventually baptized them;
changed their names; administered the Supper to them; wished
everything good to them, and said, "Depart! -the true peace of
Christ go with you." From Metaphr., according to
hic.ecom., lib. 5, cap. 45.

Still other similar examples, which it would take too long
to recount, are adduced in said place, and elsewhere, in the
History of Baptism. The persons mentioned in all these
examples, those who were baptized as well as those who
baptized, we pass by without commenting on them; our object
here being simply to show that said Simon Metaphrastes, who is
stated to have lived and written about this time, described the
foregoing matters as good and praiseworthy examples of the
believing, baptized Christians, and left them to posterity, for
instruction.

About A. D. 1000.-Or at the close of the tenth
century, there is noticed in Jacob Mehrning's History of
Baptism, Fulbertus Carnotanses, who compares the descending in
baptism to the burying of Christ in the earth, and the arising
from baptism to the resurrection of Christ from the grave, or,
properly speaking, to the awakening of Christ to life.*

His own words can be found, translated into German, page
581, from Fulbert. Carnot. in Epist. ad
Adcodatum. Herewith we conclude our account of baptism in
the tenth century, and proceed to the pious martyrs who
suffered in those days for the name of Jesus Christ.

* what Fulbertus says, in this comparison, of
baptism, is, as far as the sense is concerned, identical with
that which Paul, Rom. 6:4, declares of the baptism of
believers, saying, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism
unto death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by
the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of life."